Pyidaungsu Party (formerly known as Clean AFPFL) won. U Nu became Prime Minister of the Union of Burma for the Third and Last time.
Several military officers (who used power to support the Losing Party) were purged.
The 17 man Revolutionary Council staged a Coup d’etat on March 2, 1962. According to Kyemon U Thaung, six of them did not have access to high level information / decision.
Burma lost its hard fought Independence.
Sham Elections
During the BSPP era, there were Sham Elections. Mostly single candidate nominated by BSPP. Voters had to choose White (Yes) or Black (No).
During one BSPP Convention, the then Number One did not get the Top Vote. A purge followed. Those suspected of “Election Fraud” were criminalized with ludicrous charges. The MI Chief and his followers became extremely powerful. Eventually they were detained or dismissed.
Jump Promotions and Purges led to many Toadies. e.g a Commander who baby sit the grand kids of his Boss.
Past Elections
In September 1988 General Saw Maung took over. He promised to hold free and fair elections and that the soldiers will return to the Barracks. Citing medical reasons, he was forced out & replaced by a Ruthless Dictator.
The National League for Democracy won the 1990 Elections. The results were nullified. The majority of elected representatives were detained.
The military rule — accompanied by Nepotism, Cronyism & Terrorism — established a hand crafted Constitution in 2008 to ensure impunity for their Crimes and an unfair advantage to the past, present & future Thugs.
2010 Election was virtually uncontested. Some Toadies helped the military by posing as Opposition.
2015 and 2020 Elections were won convincingly by NLD (National League for Democracy).
Saya usually celebrates his birthday performing meritorious deeds.
Before his current medical condition, he observed Eight Precepts.
Practices Vipassana Meditation
He is a day older than Saya Allen Htay.
My Beloved Spouse
My spouse (in her younger days)
Supported my volunteer activities for nearly five decades.
I completed 26 years as Founder & Editor of “RIT Alumni Newsletter Updates”.
2015 in Los Angeles
We attended several RIT gatherings : SPZP-2000, SPZP-2012, SPZP-2016 & 69er Golden Jubilee in Yangon; RIT & UCC Gatherings in Australia & Singapore; and many gatherings in the USA.
SPZP-2016
Attended 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles held at the Knott Berry Farms, and a special gathering at iNapa Winery.
iNapa Winery
She is a Caring Spouse, a Dutiful Mother & a Loving Grandmother. She asked me to take care of my health and minimize use of phone & computer.
Myee
She loves to sing and dance at the gatherings. I am an amateur musician who plays instruments (piano, key board, guitar, harmonica) by ear.
NorCal RITAA
Here’s my birthday wish:
May you be blessed with Good Health, Abundant Wealth, Unbounded Love, Peace, Calm, Tranquility … for many more years to come.
June 1973
Events in December
Saya U Ba Toke
December 1, 1920 : Under the RU Act of 1920, Rangoon University was established with Rangoon College & Judson College as constituent colleges.
RU Golden Jubilee in 1970 : I was member of the “Zay Nay Yar Cha Htar Yay” committee
RU Diamond Jubilee in 1995 : BARB produced documentary for “Rangoon University Sports”
RU Centennial in 2020 : I was Moderator of the RU Centennial Facebook group
December 26, 1920 : Saya U Ba Toke’s birthday. His life story is published in the book by Tekkatho Maung Thin Char (Dr. Khin Maung Swe, GBNF). Saya passed away on December 2, 2020 a few days before his Centennial Birthday
December 5, 1920 : First RU Students’ Strike — Caused amendments to the RU Act. Led to the establishment of Amyothar Kyaung (National School) & Amyothat Kawleik (College). Amyothar Aung Bwe Nay (National Day) is celebrated using the Burmese date
December 1961 : Second SEAP Games — Hosted in Rangoon; Burma dominated in Track & Field, Swimming & Volleyball. About 20 athletes from RU represented Burma in the Games (See photo by Dr. Richard Yu Khin)
RU students who represented Burma in the 2nd SEAP Games in 1961
Paying respect to Sayas is a tradition that is unique to Myanmar.
The tradition is alive and well.
There have been seven world wide SPZPs : SPZP-2000 (US); SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007, SPZP-2010 (Singapore); SPZP-2004, SPZP-2012, SPZP-2016 (Yangon)
I was fortunate to be a Core Organizer for SPZP-2000 and a Coordinator for the remaining SPZPs.
SPZP-2000
Alumni
Many alumni are active in the following:
SDYF (Swel Daw Yeik Foundation)
RITAA (RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association)
NorCal RITAA (in the US)
MES
MEC
HMEE-2018
History
“History of Myanmar Engineering Education” was published in 2012.
The project’s initiators included Saya U Soe Paing, Sayagyi U Ba Than and several sayas and alumni. (See Acknowledgement in the Book)
Saya U Aung Hla Tun and team compiled the book.
Ko Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD Supplement for the HMEE-2012 book
The draft for the first two sections were prepared by Saya U Soe Paing and team.
Ko Ohn Khine translated Section 1 and summarized Section 2. The translations have been revised by Saya U Soe Paing.
Saya U Aung Hla Tun gave the copyright to RITAA.
HMEE-2018 was headed by Saya U Aung Hla Tun. His demise affected the progress of the project.
YTU Library Modernization Project
A decent Library is a requirement of the accreditation of YTU by Asean (and beyond).
Donations — large and small — came in. Thanks to U Wynn Htain Oo (M72), Ma Nan Khin Nwe (83 Intake) and team.
The donors include
U Khin Maung Tun (T78)
Dr. Myo Khin (C70) and Daw Mya Nwe (C73)
Daw Myint Myint (C69)
Saya U Tin Htut (M60)
James Shwe (M76) and Annette Shwe (A75)
NorCal RITAA
Alumni from Singapore, Australia and New Zealand
Archive
The Library could have a section to help remember our beloved alma mater, our sayas and alumni activities.
Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi endorsed Ko Benny Tan’s proposal to archive the mementos.
We requested alumni (esp. class representatives) to record gatherings / activities.
Health Care Funds
Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund for RIT Sayas and Sayamas
Eye examination and assistance Fund provided by U Khin Maung Tun
The balance of both funds had been handed over to Swel Daw Yeik Foundation.
Other funds include 69er HCF, EE69er HCF, and those administered by the classes and groups (e.g. Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65)
Resources
RIT related Facebook pages
RIT related Google groups
hlamin.com
Saya Allen Htay (C58)
Leader of the San Francisco Bay Area Alumni Group
Co-founded “RIT Alumni International” which hosted SPZP-2000 and served as President.
His article “Brother, can you spare US $500?” is a classic.
Daw Mu Mu Khin hosted a lunch in memory of Saya on December 31, 2017.
In memory of Saya Allen, Daw Mu Mu Kin donated Saya’s books to the YTU library. Also sponsored scholarships for eligible YTU students.
Golden Sponsors
U Thaung Sein (Steeve, EC70)
U Benny Tan (M70)
U Khin Maung Oo (Ivan Lee, M69)
U Tin Myint (David Ko, M67)
U Maung Maung Than (M79)
The five Golden sponsors and other donors made sure U Nyo Win’s Act (requiring the organizers to chip in if SPZP-2000 will not have the minimum number of attendees) will not be needed.
2019
Completed two decades as Chief Editor of RIT Alumni International Newsletter
Compiled posts for the Golden Jubilee of 69ers Attended both events on December 14, 2019
2020
Broadcast educational videos
2021 – Present
Writing and revising posts in hlamin.com
Request help to transform into digital and/or printed books for posterity
From the 7th standard to Matriculation I remember the following:
Saya Ba Myaing (Physics), Saya Tun Shwe and Saya Sein (Burmese), Bro Hubert (Chemistry), Bro Felix, Bro Charles, and Bro Gerald (English). Mr Machado and Saya Dawson (Math), Mr Barker and Mr Illife (Physics).
Editor’s Notes:
The Paing siblings — Dr. Myo Paing (SPHS54), U Soe Paing (SPHS56), U Win Paing (Sayadaw U Wara, SPHS64) and U Kyaw Paing (SPHS67) — attended SPHS.
U Aung Win (Owen) wrote :
I read many articles about the old staff of SPHS but I never came across anyone mentioning Bro. Charles. During our KG days in SP, we had one Bro. Charles, if you all remember him. He was a very kind-hearted Bro. and he loved the school kids and treated us well. Whatever happened to him, I wonder, after we left SPHS.
Owen Khoo (Aung Win, M71, SPHS 1953 – 1957)
Editor’s notes :
Three siblings — U Than Win (Alan Khoo, SPHS54), U Kyi Win (Eddie Khoo, SPHS57) and U Aung Win (Owen Khoo) — attended SPHS. Owen also attended Darjeeling.
I joined SPHS in Std. IV. I do not know the sayas and sayamas who taught KG and Stds I – III. Boarders can add the names of the Brothers and sayas that I have missed.
Brother Benedict (who taught a younger class) was a good soccer player.
Brother Gerald was the SPHS Band Master. He often rode a horse.
There was a Brother in charge of the SPHS Book Shop, and several Brothers in charge of the Boarders.
Some Brothers went on “rotation duty” to St. Peter’s (Mandalay), St. Albert’s (Maymyo), St. Patrick’s (Moulmein), …
Brother Clementian
He retired as Brother Director, but kept on teaching Mathematics until he passed away. The funeral cortege spanned from SPHS to Tamwe Christian Cemetery. Some cars had not left SPHS when the service began at the Cemetery.
Brother Austin
In addition to having a class library, Brother Austin (our Class teacher for Std. X A, “the carrot”) would take us to the SPHS library (with books donated by Ford Foundation, Asia Foundation …). Everyone has to borrow a book and write a critique. In addition to teaching English, he also taught the “Morals and Manners” class. Anyone who can recite the selected poems is free to “skip the remainder of the class”. The top reciters were rewarded: an 8 mm movie of a soccer match from UK, or a ticket to “1960 Rome Olympics” (special show at Thamada Cinema). He abhors plagiarism and unprofessional work. “Don’t waste my time and your time”. After nationalization, he moved to Malaysia to continue teaching at a De La Salle School.
Brother Xavier
Brother Xavier (our Class Teacher for Std IX A, and English teacher for Std VIII and IX, “the stick”) would penalize students for making grammatical mistakes. For the dictation test, he would start with 100 marks and then subtract 10 marks for each mistake. A classmate ended with -230 (minus 230) marks shown “in red” in his report card. According to Ko Zaw Min, Brother Xavier would not continue his “brash style” at St. Albert’s. After nationalization, he moved to UK and supposedly “left the order”.
Brother Felix
Brother Felix moved back to Germany. He had e-mail communications with some Old Paulians (notably Richard G. Boudville, Australia, son of Sayama V. Boudville).
Two Sibling Brothers
After nationalization, the native Brothers remained in Burma.
Brother Joseph decided to become Father Joseph.
His younger brother remained Brother Anthony and was one of the “senior sayas” at SPHS Saya Pu Zaw Pwes along with Saya U San Thein and Saya Beatson.
Authors
Saya George Chapman published notes for English.
Saya U Htay Myint (Patheda) published notes for History.
Distinguished Paulians
Sayagyi U Ba Khin stood first in his Matriculation class. He is known as an outstanding Vissapana teacher. His dhamma lineage starts with Ledi Sayadaw and Saya Thet. His dhamma students include Saya S. N. Goenka.
ICS U Tin Tut, Dr. Ba Han, Dr, Ba Maw, and U Chan Tun are Old Paulians.
According to Dr. Win Aung (M62), his father Saya C. Ping Lee (EE, GBNF) was a Paulian and a student of Saya U Than Aung (father of Saya Alphonso [Mg Nge, Mg Aung] and Charlie [Ko Cho]). When U Than Aung became Minister of Education in the AFPFL Government, he recruited his former student Saya C. Ping Lee to head the Technical & Vocational Department.
Saya Pu Zaw Pwes
After nationalization, SPHS became No. (6) SHS Botathaung.
There are two SPZPs: one for the “Paulians” and another for SHS(6).
Some (e.g. Eddie Ba Oo / Tin Aung Moe) who were in the lower classes when SPHS was nationalized would attend both gatherings.
Worked briefly at Namtu mines before joining Electrical Engineeering Department at Rangoon University
Reunion
Saya of our sayas. His students include Saya U Sein Hlaing and Saya U Tin Swe
Requested C Ping Lee (father of Dr. Win Aung M62) to join EE department. HE U Than Aung asked Saya C Ping Lee (his former student at SPHS) to head Technical & Vocational Training Directorate and to improve curriculum (e.g GTI).
President of RIT Electrical Engineering Association
RIT EE Association
Patron of Hlyat Sit Sar Saung Committee
Hlyat Sit Sar Saung
Taught “Principles of Electrical Engineering” to non-engineering students. Sayas who later taught the course include Sayas U Myo Kyi & U Moe Aung.
Told a class that suitors of his lovely daughters must be doctors (medical or Ph.D). Anecdote was recounted by “Doctor” Tin Aung Win (spouse of Dorothy Kyaw Tun) for SPZP-2000. Saya’s elder daughter Elizabeth (Dr. Daw Tin Nu) has a Doctorate in English.
After retirement, Saya visited Australia
Passed away peacefully in Yangon
Spouse passed away during our RIT days. We attended her memorial service at Saya’s home.
Updates
Several EE sayas are GBNF.
For SPZP-2010, I wrote “A Sad & Short Clip : EE Sayas”.
He matriculated from St. Albert’s High School, Maymyo.
He was admitted with Roll Number One to the first ever 1st BE in November 1964.
He graduated with Electrical Power in 1970.
He worked for HIC briefly and Ceramics Corporation.
He moved to USA, did his MS and worked in the Electronics Industry until retirement.
Activities and Achievements
He was selected as RIT Luyechun in the Summer of 1965 to attend Inlay Khaung Daing Camp.
He wrote a long article about “RIT Days 1964 – 1970”. U Ohn Khine (M70) added details and posted in the Google Group for the 1st BE Intake. I added the article and published it in RIT Alumni Newsletter.
He hosted Sayagyi U Ba Toke (who was invited to attend SPZP-2000 by his former students) at his new house in Hayward California.
He played Soccer for his Block, Class and EE department (mainly as Goalkeeper).
He was EC of Hostel Committe, Burmese Association, Maths Association, EE Association, English Association, Track & Field Association, RIT Magazine Committee.
Notes
He made waves when he complained about mismanagement at the Luyechun Camp. Later Camp Commandants were sayas (including Sayagyi U Ba Toke).
He added Nawaday to his name to minimize name conflicts (which are common for Burmese names).
Ko Ye Myint (son of Sayagyi U Ba Toke) and Ko Nyunt Maung San were Best Men at his wedding.
Ko Naing Win (GBNF) asked Ko Zaw Min to accompany him to a Cinema with his girlfriend and another (who became Ko ZM’s soul mate).
He had a short temper. He was given a stern warning for hitting a student (who instigated him). It appeared in a report requested by the father (DIG of Police) of his girlfriend, but …
He competed in the English Debate between 1st year and 2nd year classes. He won as a 1st year student. He lost as a 2nd year student.
He was a preliminary selection for the RIT crew at RUBC.
He hiked to Rakkhine with Ko Han Tha Myint and Ko Sein Win. It was reported in the newspapers.
He lived and worked in New York and California. After retirement, he moved to Las Vegas.
SPHS classmate in Std VIIIA, IXA and XA. He was among the youngest, but also the brightest.
We were in different sections in the lower classes.
VIII AMin Oo (Seated left)
Matric Exam in 1963
SPHS had five students in the Top Five, seven in the Top Ten, and ten in the Top Twenty.
All received Collegiate Scholarships with a monthly stipend of 75 Kyats (net 60 Kyats after the school fees).
Min Oo stood 2nd in Burma. He chose to study Maths.
Language expert
Grapevine says that he was reading a German book before entering the hall to take the Matric exam
Scored distinctions in English, Maths, Physics & Chemistry
Mathematics Genius
A Tuition Saya challenged his students. “Ask your teachers to solve the problem. I will give you free tuition if you can provide the correct answer.” One student asked Min Oo, who was playing cards. Min Oo scribbled the answer during the card game. The Tuition Saya was unhappy; he broke his promise to give the student free tuition.
U Aung Sein (Retired Associate Professor of Maths) saw Min Oo get out of the Tutorial classes after a few minutes and yet had perfect score. Saya decided to give challenging questions for a Tutorial. Min Oo took longer time than the easier Tutorials, but most of the other students could not get a passing grade.
Luyechun Student & Staff
Selected Tekkatho Luyechun in the summer of 1965. We attended Inlay Khaung Daing Camp.
Inlay Luyechun (Min Oo — Seated Right)
He joined RASU Maths Dept. He was chosen as Staff for the Tekkatho Luyechun camp.
As a multiple Luyechun from IM(1), Ko Khin Maung U was present at two camps with Min Oo. Ko KMU remembers Min Oo with a cigar trying to look like a Saya.
Career
Doctorate of Maths from University of Bonn, Germany
Professor Emeritus, McMasters University in Canada; Voluntarily retired in 2015.
Was Visiting Professor in selected US Universities.
Micro-reunion
After retirement, he visited Silicon Valley frequently to see his daughter.
A few years back, we had a lunch gathering in the SF Bay Area.
Dr. Nyan Taw (SPHS63) wrote :
Yes – Min Oo is the brightest. Proud to be his class mate. SPHS VIA group photo Min Oo also Khin Mg U sitting.
Last 7th Std Government exam : We took it in March
Elections
Caretaker Government finally held Elections.
Pyidaung Su Party (former “Clean AFPFL“) led by U Nu won by a land slide. The victory would be short lived.
U Nu
1961
Education
Last HSF & Matric (Combined) exam
First batch of Female Engg Graduates : Tin Tin Ohn (Amy), Julie Han, Yin Yin Kyi, Mi Mi Lay (all Textile) & Pauline Reynolds (ChE)
Faculty of Engineering moved to Gyogone Campus. Also called Burma Institute of Technology (BIT)
SEAP Games
Burma hosted the Second SEAP (South East Asia Peninsular) Games in December.
Burma dominated most events and placed first.
About 20 RU students represented Burma.
2nd SEAP Games
1962
Education
First “Matric Only” exam
First “HSF Only” exam : We (from Rangoon Division) had to take the exam in March & again in August
Coup d’etat
On March 2, a 17-member Revolutionary Council staged a Coup d’etat. President Mahn Win Maung, Prime Minister U Nu & Cabinet Ministers, Sao Shwe Thaik & Sawbwas, and several high-level Government employees were detained.
SamaDuwa Sinwa Naung (President-elect) did not become President.
Sama Duwa
Per Kyemon U Thaung, seven Revolutionary Council members were not aware of the major decisions.
Brigadier General T. Clift (Air Force) resigned. He was succeeded by Col Thaung Dan (who became Brigadier General). Several senior Air Force personnel were appointed Ambassadors or Military Attache to pave way for younger officers.
Commodore Than Pe (Navy) passed away. He was Minister for Health & Education. Commander Thaung Tin (who became Commodore) succeeded CTP as Chief of Navy. Col Hla Han became Minister for Health &Education.
Col Chit Myaing was the last original Revolutionary Council member to pass away. He served as Ambassador to Yugoslavia and UK before moving to USA.
Tin Maung Thant (son of U Thant) passed away during his visit to Burma. The funeral cortège was larger that of Commodore Than Pe.
The usage of “Tar Wun Khan” was later changed back to “Minister”.
Dark Days in July
7th July : 17 official victims
8th July : Demolition of RUSU Building
1963
Education
Matric exam : We took it in May
SPHS has five students in Top Five, seven in Top Ten, and ten in Top Twenty
SPHS63
Last batch for General Honors program
1964
Education
New Education System
Most Faculties became autonomous Institutes with Rectors.
RASU & MASU offered Major
Admission to RIT
In Nov 1964, three batches of students were admitted to RIT
Matriculated were admitted to 1st BE based on Intelligence Level Aggregate (ILA)
Those who passed I.Sc(A) were admitted 2nd BE based on marks.
Those who passed I.Sc(B) were admitted to 3rd BE based on marks.
Luyechun
Shwe Wa Gyaing Camp in Ngapali
Students from 7th to 10th Std were selected as Luyechun
1965
Education
On April 1, private schools were nationalized.
SPHS became No. 6 Botathaung State High School. Non-native De La Salle brothers left Burma. e.g Bro Austin to Malaysia, Bro Felix to Germany, Bro Charles to UK
Luyechun
Khaung Daing Camp in Inlay
Program extended to Universities & Institutes
RIT : Sein Shwe, Hla Min, Zaw Min, Khin Than Myint Tin
IM(1) : Kyaw Sein Koe, Anita Aye Pe, Khin Maung U, Cherry Hlaing
Decline of Economy
After detaining prominent members of Pyidaung Su (formerly Clean AFPFL) and new AFPFL (formerly Stable AFPFL), the Revolutionary Council & government sought help from left-wing Gurus (e.g. U Chit Hlaing who threw in Buddhist terms into “Burmese Way to Socialism” & U Ba Nyein who proposed indiscriminate Nationalization.
Burma Socialist Program Party (BSPP) was formed with core cadres. It later opened up membership for Ah Yan Party Win (Associate member). Party membership became a requirement for important positions.
Free Economy was replaced by rations (e.g. half a can of Condensed Milk per family) using the “Si Sar Oke”. It created a Black Market and the rising cost of living.
The Demonetization crippled the Industry and even had ripple effect on University students. Hostel students, whose money had been demonetized, had to be given free rides to return home.
Per Dr. Nyan Taw (SPHS63) : Both my father U Hla Taw (retired Chief of UMP/ DIG) and my mother Daw Marie Hla Taw together with Col Chit Yaing, Chief Justice U Myint Thein, DIG U Tin MaungMaung and DIG U Khin Maung Maung were taken away by MI (Military Intelligence) in 1964. My parents were released in 1967.
Changes in Education
Bachelor Degrees
Education
Law
NRC rule
Enforced for Professional Courses
Bernard Khaw (First in Burma in the Matric of 1965) had to study Chemistry. He moved to USA and studied Chemical Engineering.
Chu Pu Thein (who scored highest marks in Physics in the first ever HSF Only exam in 1962) moved to Italy
Many had to study in RASU. Chemistry students had very high marks and/or ILA.
A medical student was expelled after he was “found out to be not 3 NRC.”
A few students who had been admitted to RASU because of 3 NRC were allowed to study medicine. They lost a year, but not their dreams.
Names
There was discrimination against students having foreign names.
Two families. They were cousins. Those who retained non-Burmese names were admitted to RASU. Those with Burmese names were allowed to study professional degrees.
Security Concerns
Shortage of rice (never heard before in the “Rice Bowl of Asia”) was transformed into “Tayoke Bamar Ah Yay Ah Khin”. Grapevine says that a lorry strategically placed “Beggars” around Rangoon.
1969
Men on the Moon
Poem
Apollo 11 landed on the moon on July 20, 1969.
My poem “Men on the Moon” was forwarded by Mr. Hall (USIS) to NASA.
The poem was also published in the Guardian daily newspaper.
69ers
Most of us graduated with BE. A few with BArch.
EE69ers
SEAP Games
Burma hosted the Fifth SEAP Games in December 1969. There were riots in the Thamaing College Campus which held some events (e.g. Boxing).
Placard bearers for 5th SEAP Games
News & Censorship
Nation newspaper was the first to be closed (by orders of the higher authorities). U Law Yone was detained. He later moved to Thailand and published the “Nation”. He eventually moved to the USA.
Finally, there were only four Burmese and two English newspapers. They published the news vetted and/or translated by News Agency Burma.
The two new newspapers were Loketha Pyithu Nay Zin and Working Peoples’ Daily (WPD).
The then Number One chose Shwe Oo Daung and U Khin Maung Latt as Chief Editors of “Loketha Pyithu Nay Zin” and Working People’s Daily (WPD) and promised them full authority. Some time later, U Khin Maung Latt was asked, “Do you want to be an Ambassador?” Daw Khin Myo Chit stepped in and said, “Ko Latt will go back teaching at his school”.
Selection of Sayas and State Scholars
In the days of our teachers, the Dean & Professors had the say to select and appoint assistant lecturers, and to select bright students to apply for State Scholarship to study at the prestigious universities in the USA and UK.
Later, the Public Service Commission (PSC) was established to vet candidates for most positions.
Some engineers and architects had to join government departments as “Work Charge” while waiting to get permanent positions approved by PSC.
January 1 is usually accepted as “New Year’s Day”.
Some countries celebrate it as a holiday.
December 31 is “New Year’s Eve”.
Some sing “Auld Lang Syne” to usher in the New Year.
Old Calendars
The old Roman Calendar has only 10 months starting with March So, March signified the New Year
Some civilizations celebrate Vernal equinox or First Day of Spring e.g. Persian New Year So, the New Year will fall around 20th – 22nd March
Lunar New Year
Falls around end of January or beginning of February
Celebrated by Chinese and Vietnamese
Luni-solar New Year
Falls in mid-April
Celebrated by Burmese / Myanmar, Thai, Cambodia, Laos
Burmese New Year followsThingyan (which means change) Maha Thingyan means Great Change (from one year to the next). Cula Thingyan means Small Change (from one month/yathi to another month/yathi)
3 or 4 days of Thingyan (also known as Water Throwing Festival)
Miscellaneous
New Year of the indigenous people e.g. Karen New Year
HlaMin 